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VATICAN CITY — Years after the Vatican press office started looking for an electric moped so staff could buzz around the Vatican without polluting or using fossil fuels, an Italian company offered an electric car instead.

NWG, a company promoting alternative and renewable energy use, officially handed over the keys to the electric CityCar early this afternoon. Company officials said they have sold 400 of the two-passenger cars this year. NWG officials said the car can go more than 90 miles before needing a recharge. They sell the car — complete with the rechargable batteries — for just over $30,000.

Officially, the car is a gift to Pope Benedict XVI and a thank you for his efforts to promote the safeguarding of the environment and making the Vatican more environmentally friendly . Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the press office, said, “With this car the Holy See and the Vatican are taking another step forward toward being green.”